Civic Group Reports -- Monday November 22, 2010

At Wagner College yesterday, the Archaeology Society of Staten Island sponsored a lecture by Dr. Rachel Goldman, “Ancient Mosaics — Sometimes Old and Sometimes Religious,” about mosaics in synagogues of the 3rd and 4th century A.D. with Greek and Roman influences.The group is planning the first Archaeology Fair on April 3, 2011. The next lecture on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. will be about “Stories at the Loom,” when songs and poetry might have helped in the creation of complex weaving patterns.

RELIGIOUSHoly Name Society

The Holy Name Society of St. Roch’s R.C. Church, Port Richmond, held its monthly meeting yesterday following a mass honoring deceased members. Matt Acanfora directed the lighting of the ceremonial candles. A favorable report on the church pasta dinner was given and President Nick Panarella thanked all who donated time or money. The St. Ann’s Society Christmas Party will be held Dec. 7 at the Staaten, West Brighton, and the St. Roch’s School Christmas fair is Dec. 10.

Ascension Church

The Outreach Committee of the Church of the Ascension, under the leadership of Arthur and Joan Ullstrom, meeting yesterday, distributed 25 Thanksgiving dinners, including turkeys and all the trimmings to needy members of the community.

Temple Sisterhood

The Sisterhood of Congregation Ahavath Israel, Tottenville, hosted a brunch where the new officers discussed plans for fundraising and other activities to support the congregation.

COMMUNITYP.L.U.TO.

Members of P.L.U.T.O. held a pet adoption event on Saturday at PETCO, located on Veterans Road West in Charleston. The group’s raffle will be drawn Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at PETCO. The winner does not have to be present. Pet photos with Santa will be held on Dec. 4 at Dec. 11 at PETCO. Also on Dec. 4, a “Trap, Neuter and Return,” workshop will be held at Port Richmond High School from noon to 4 p.m. Questions regarding spay/neuter certificates may be directed to plutorescuevolunteer@si.rr.com.

Abandoned Cemeteries

Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries held a community volunteer day at Staten Island/Fountain Cemetery on Saturday led by Lynn Rogers. About 30 students from Port Richmond High School, various CCD classes, and Where-to-Turn removed debris from the 8-acre site, filling two 30-yard containers donated by GAETA Sanitation. The Walters family cleared out the Van Street section of the cemetery, and Ron Washington placed new military grave flags at veterans’ burial sites.

MILITARYCespino-Russo

Members of the Cespino-Russo American Legion Post and Auxiliary attended an event at the Excelsior Grand in New Dorp to accept the “Spirit of Community,” award from Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach, for the post’s outstanding work in the community.